BHP faces Federal Police bribery probe

The Australian Federal Police has confirmed it is involved in an investigation into allegations of bribery against mining giant BHP Billiton.

Fairfax newspapers reported that the AFP and US Justice Department are working together to investigate claims BHP bribed foreign officials, including some linked to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

A federal police spokesperson says they became involved in the matter after a referral relating to the Australian aspects of a US investigation.

"The AFP has been engaged in this matter and is working very closely coordinating activities with our foreign counterparts and local regulatory agencies," it noted in a statement.

"Foreign bribery investigations are inherently complex due to their cross-border nature and often involve coordination between law enforcement and regulatory agencies for appropriate outcomes."

The investigation related to BHP's sponsorship of the Beijing Olympics and hospitality it provided to VIPs, reported to include senior government officials and Chinese steel and mining company chief executives.

BHP Billiton says it has been cooperating with the investigation into possible breaches of anti-corruption laws.

"We have been asked about BHP Billiton's sponsorship of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. We believe our Olympics activities complied with all applicable law," it responded in a statement.

"BHP Billiton is fully committed to operating with integrity and the group's policies specifically prohibit engaging in bribery in all its forms."